Trade Show News

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center is undergoing renovations to its fitness center and pool, with the pool scheduled for closure from October 29 to December 26. A temporary fitness center will be available on the 5th floor during this period.

A new Marriott Tribute hotel, named 'The Pennant,' is planned for the Historic 18th & Vine District, with major construction expected to begin by the end of 2026. This 80-room hotel will include dining options, retail spaces, and dedicated conference and meeting rooms, along with event spaces and rooftop bars. This development is part of the broader 'Revive the Vine' initiative, enhancing hospitality infrastructure in the area.

The 'Revive the Vine' initiative in Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District includes plans for 'The Pennant,' a new Marriott Tribute hotel with 80 rooms, dining, retail, conference and meeting rooms, and event spaces. Major construction for this development is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

Kansas City's Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Department (CREO) has announced a Task Force to develop the City's new Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program. The Task Force, comprising business owners and community leaders, will provide input to create more opportunities for small businesses and strengthen the local economy.

The International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City hosted its 81st Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Milburn Country Club. The event featured a keynote speaker on global trade strategy and economic outlook, providing insights into the rapidly changing international trade environment.

The Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT) non-profit trade association held its annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., from September 1-3, 2026. The conference, themed 'Navigating What's Next,' covered topics including commodity outlooks, energy markets, and the impact of tariffs, bringing together barge industry and terminal operators.

The Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT) held its annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, from September 1 to 3, 2026. The non-profit trade association discussed a broad agenda under the theme "Navigating What's Next," including commodity outlooks, energy markets, and the impact of tariffs.

Fern Expo, a leading exhibition and event service contractor, has opened a newly constructed 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse located two miles from the Kansas City Convention Center. This facility provides in-house resources including design, graphic production, display sales, exhibit furnishings, and freight handling, supporting the local trade show industry.

Marcy Hodges, the Senior Sales Manager at the Kansas City Airport Marriott, has been accepted into the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. This program recognizes professionals committed to community service, leadership, and professional growth. Her participation is expected to strengthen her community connections and bring valuable experience back to her team.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City announced various events from September 14 to November 12, 2026, including a 'Project Engineering for Construction' seminar. Attendance is reserved for industry members.

The American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) held its annual conference and expo in Kansas City, Missouri, from September 13-16. The event featured an exhibit hall, numerous technical presentations, and networking opportunities. A dedicated 'solutions center' stage highlighted advances in maintenance-of-way.

DAX Kansas City 2027 is scheduled for February 19-20 at the KCI Expo Center, offering a platform to discover new equipment, explore specials, and network with suppliers and peers in the industry. Kansas City has been a trusted stop on the DAX tour for years.

The Syndicate Trade Show is bringing the Kansas City Card Show to Harrah's Kansas City on September 26-27, 2026. The event will feature vendors for Pokémon, One Piece, sports cards, and other collectibles, offering opportunities to buy, sell, and trade.

KC Nerd Con 2026 is announced as Kansas City's ultimate celebration of nerd culture, bringing together fans of anime, video games, and more for a day of fandom excitement at the Overland Park Convention Center. This inclusive, community-focused event invites enthusiasts of all ages.

The Time Travelers Vintage Expo is scheduled for September 26, 2026, at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City. This unique gathering celebrates all things vintage, inviting enthusiasts and collectors to step back in time.

The KC Chamber is undergoing renovations at its Union Station headquarters, including the addition of a new conference room to complement its larger Board Room. This renovation aims to create a more collaborative space for members, partners, and community leaders. The Chamber anticipates moving back into the renovated space by the end of 2026.

The American Royal has opened its new $375 million, 390,000-square-foot Barns and Exhibition Hall near the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas. This new campus, designed for agriculture-related events, features extensive cattle ties and horse stalls, and hosted its first fall event, the Royal Showcase Horse Show.

The Kansas City Royals have partnered with Mortenson | McCownGordon and JE Dunn to build a $3 billion mixed-use development, including a new 34,000-seat ballpark at Crown Center. This project, the largest sports-anchored downtown development in baseball, aims to create a vibrant urban neighborhood connecting sports, entertainment, retail, hospitality, and residential spaces.

The Barney Allis Plaza Redevelopment Project, which includes the demolition and replacement of the Auditorium Parking Garage overseen by the Convention Center, is anticipated to be completed in 2026. This project aims to transform the plaza into a vibrant urban space, directly impacting the surrounding convention facilities.

Construction for the $1 billion Discovery Park, a new civic gathering space in downtown Kansas City, is anticipated to begin in 2026. The park will offer accessible play areas, flexible gathering spaces, and entertainment amenities, potentially serving as an outdoor venue or enhancing the experience for convention attendees.